The Irony of Fate in order

This trilogy of films explores themes of interpersonal relationships, friendship, love, and destiny within the context of Soviet culture. The first film revolves around a coincidence that leads to an unlikely romantic encounter. The sequel continues with the reunion of the main characters' grown-up children, exploring new relationships. The final film highlights unforeseen friendships, unanticipated reunions, and bittersweet partings, reflecting Soviet life. Throughout the trilogy, characters navigate evolving environments, showcasing resilience and adaptability. The films emphasize perseverance amid change, underscoring the importance of compassion, community, and familial bonds. Despite moments of loss and departure, the trilogy conveys optimism for the future, portraying the enduring power of love and friendship amidst societal shifts. Through captivating narratives and richly developed characters, these films offer a poignant and uplifting message. 2 films, 5h 17m in all, in release order.

1. 1
   

   The Irony of Fate, or Enjoy Your Bath!

   1976 · 192 min

   A group of old friends have a tradition of going to a public bathing house on New Year's Eve. Occasionally too much vodka and beer makes two of them unconscious. The problem is that one of them (Sasha) has to go to Leningrad but another one (Zhenya) goes. Zhenya wakes up at Leningrad airport. Believing that he is still in Moscow he takes a taxi and goes home. The street name, building and even apartment number, the way an apartment complex looks the same and the key coincide completely - just typical Soviet-type 'economy' architecture. Imagine the surprise of Nadya when she enters her apartment and finds a man without trousers in her bed. What's more - Nadya's fiancé also finds him there...

   Worth the Hype
2. 2
   

   The Irony of Fate: Continuation

   2007 · 125 min

   Thirty years have passed since Zhenya and Nadya met—they broke up, and Nadya moved to Leningrad. The friends still go to the bathhouse, and now they are joined by Konstantin, Zhenya's son. Uncle Pasha and Uncle Sasha persuade Kostya to arrange a New Year's miracle for his father and send him to St. Petersburg. Nadya's daughter lives at that very address, and on the same day, her fiancé, Irakli, is planning to propose to her.

   Snoozefest